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Kim's Experience Backstage
THE SAGA CONTINUES......MEETING ALEXEI So there we were still basking in the excitement of just having seen Alexei skate both his new programs and now it was finally time to meet him. WOW, I gotta say I was nervous. Couldn't tell if my legs were shaking due to the cold or the anticipation but they definitely were. Guess we were lucky it was cold though because we would have never been invited inside where the skaters were if it hadn't been. When we went in I looked around for Alexei and didn't see him. I wanted Laurie to go first since I was so nervous but I can't remember now if she did or not because right after that little discussion I spotted Alexei across the room. When he got to us I remember thinking, "yep, he's my height" (I'm 5'8") and then I pretty much went blank, LOL. He signed my page in the calendar as well as the Patinage magazine where he's on the cover and as he was signing I managed to tell him we loved his new programs. I wished I'd been able to look into his eyes but I just couldn't although I do remember looking at his hair closely. Everything was so rush, rush. After he signed my things I gave him the gift I had brought and asked if I could have a picture. That's when he said, "Oh, sure" in the nicest Russian accented English I have ever heard. I'll never forget that OR his arm around me and mine around him as the picture was taken....sigh. Then all too soon it was over. Suddenly we found ourselves back out in the cold with just our memories. The last time I spotted Alexei was when he came in the lodge a few minutes later and got on the elevator with skates in tow to go to his room. I'll be seeing him again, of course, not too long from now at Skate America but that first time I met him in Sun Valley will always be the most special. It took me 16 months to do it but now I have finally met Alexei and seen him skate. At least I know it won't be 16 MORE months before I see him again (hopefully), LOL. So glad I went to Sun Valley now even though it was mighty stressful there for awhile (but then, being a fan of Alexei's always is, LOL). I had a great time and got to do everything (well, almost everything ) on my wish list. The only thing I would do differently if I went back again is make sure I add "umbrella" to the top of the list of things to bring, LOL. Kim Keeper of Alexei's Golden Highlights, His Gladiator Program and Costume, His Hands, Broken Arrow Bodysuit, Soon Costume, Lower Back, Skates, Jewelry, Triple Loop, Spiral, His Condo in New Jersey, His Apartment in Conn, The Bump on His Hand, and His Lingual Frenum  Kim with Alexei after the show |
